The Partenopei chief hails the win over Andre Villas Boas’s men as “magical,” and urges his side to remain complacent for the second-leg at Stamford Bridge.
The Napoli president is delighted with his team’s triumph over Chelsea in the first-leg of the last 16 round of UEFA Champions league.
The 3-1 score-line gives the Partenopei side a healthy lead to defend on their visit to Stamford Bridge for the second-leg of the tie next month.
While talking to the reporters, De Laurentiis said:
“There have been so many magical nights in the last few years and this is one of them.”
Laurentiis has commended Napoli on their remarkable comeback after trailing by a goal in the opening half-hour of the game. He also hailed the character his team showed to beat the Premier League giants despite being without the
services of manager Walter Mazzarri on the touchline.
“The team deserved to win by stepping on to the field with great determination, reacting well to the defensive error and fighting back for the victory. Without the Coach on the bench, the team almost seems to take on even more
responsibility, as they know that they can’t get anything wrong.”
Mazzarri was handed a two-match touchline ban for his negative antics in the last group stage game against Villarreal.
Commenting on the upcoming second-leg, De Laurentiis has warned his team that the visit to Stamford Bridge will not going to be a walk in the park for the Italian side, and they must improve their defensive display if they are
to advance to the next round.
“It’s going to be very difficult to play in London, as that stadium puts pressure on you.” Added the chief
However, the executive has belief in his team's abilities to perform in the toughest of situations.
The 62-year-old has remarked that the fan in him wants the team to play at full throttle at Stamford Bridge, but being the President, he wants his side to show respect to the rivals and see out the match cautiously.
The second- leg will take place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, March 14.
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